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11 June 2008
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CVA E-Newsletter #7
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In this issue:
Contact Us :
Tel: +27 (0) 82 332 7844
info@constantiavalley.com
Introduction
Dear Members,
The production of the new brochure is in full swing and I must thank those of you who have already supplied your content and updated the contact information form. It’s quite an adventure organizing over 80 members whilst trying to keep to our deadline of launching the brochure at the next member function in August, and in time for the summer season. Please note that the artwork deadline is the 13th of June so please don’t be late!
Speaking of seasons, winter in the Constantia Valley doesn’t mean we all need to huddle around our fireplaces and not go out. There are some lovely events and things to do through-out the winter so please read on to find out more.
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Laid Back Sundays at Steenberg
The Sunday Buffet Luncheon at Catharina’s the Restaurant on the Steenberg Estate is a fabulous way to end your weekend.
The creativity behind the sumptuous buffet is Senior Chef de Partie Cheryl Spinas who prepares no less than forty starters to titillate the taste buds; these include Salmon, Venison Terrines, a huge selection of vegetarian dishes, an array of mouth watering salads amongst many others. The main course is a choice of two or three traditional roasts with Chicken Curry as a further option. The Dessert Buffet is scrumptious and then there is the Cheese Board…
On one of Cape Town’s perfect days one sits under the oaks enjoying the jazz – a different local artiste is booked each week. Should the weather be chilly the atmosphere is just as good inside the restaurant with the warmth of a blazing fire.
This buffet luncheon is very good value at R195 per person.
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An Evening of South African Short Stories read by John Maytham at Constantia Uitsig on the 14th June
This veteran of talk radio and a seasoned news journalist will entertain diners at Constantia Uitsig with the reading of South African Short Stories.
Tickets for this event are R240.00 per person inclusive of a delicious three course meal and coffee.
Tables for 8 people are available but if you are a smaller group and wish to attend we will seat you alongside other guests giving you an opportunity to meet some new people with a shared interest.
For more information or bookings please phone Constantia Uitsig Restaurant on (021) 794 4480

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It’s the Secret Season at the Constantia Uitsig Spa
What better time of year to pamper yourself than winter time? Constantia Uitsig Hotel and Spa have put together some truly stunning packages that will leave you feeling relaxed, indulged and happy!
You can choose from a selection of specially put together packages that include heavenly treatments, a glass of wine on arrival and deliciously prepared meals from The River Café.
If you feel that you need a bit of winter pampering please telephone 021 794 6500 or make a booking by emailing reservations@uitsig.co.za

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Christmas in July at Constantia Uitsig
To bring some festive cheer to our cold and wet winter Constantia Uitsig Restaurant will be hosting a Christmas in winter dinner on the 19th July at Constantia Uitsig Restaurant.
Tickets are R395.00 per person and this includes a four course Christmas meal, a carafe of wine, coffee and a Christmas gift!
To make a booking please contact Constantia Uitsig Restaurant on 021 794 4480 as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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Winter time at Jonkershuis Restaurant at Groot Constantia
Due to popular demand Jonkershuis Restaurant are re-launching their ‘Winter Buffet Special’.
This Cape Malay influenced buffet offers 3 courses at R99 per person from Monday – Saturday evenings from 6pm until 9pm. Bookings are essential.

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Buitenverwachting Restaurant
If you haven’t dined out at Buitenverwachting Restaurant lately then now is the time to do so. Edgar has put together a delicious winter special that offers delectable items such as; Kudu Potjie with Potato-Leek Samoosa, Edgar’s own Chicken Curry and for desert he has included old favourites such as Malva Pudding with Vanilla Custard and Melk Tart with poached Guavas. To top it all off order a bottle of Buitenverwachting wine and soak in the view from the restaurant.

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Cape of Storms Package at the Cellars Hohenort Hotel
The Cellars Hohenort Hotel has put together a wide variety of specials to take us through the winter months including the Cape of Storms package which includes:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a double room
- Full English breakfast with tea and coffee served in the comfort of your own room with delivery of a local newspaper.
- A Cape Malay dinner in the fabulous Cape Malay Restaurant, this is food to warm you for sure. Alternatively, a three course dinner at the Greenhouse Restaurant is on offer.
- A DVD player in your room with a stock of 20 DVDS for the night – IMAGINE!
Please visit the Cellars Hohenort website for more information about this and other specials. www.cellars-hohenort.com

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A Grand Old Lady in Trouble
Not so long ago we received an email from local resident Heather Dukas asking us if we had seen the state of the Tokai Manor House and if we knew what the status on it was. Heather was saddened by its state of disrepair and after taking a look we have to agree with her. Phone calls were quickly made to local media contacts and thankfully all took up the task to report on the seriousness of the situation.
The Tokai Manor House which dates back to 1792 and the days of Simon van der Stel, was originally on farmland. The manor house is reputed to be haunted by ghosts of a horse and rider who plunged to their deaths from a steep flight of steps, during a party there.
Let’s hope that the issues surrounding the Manor House are solved sooner rather than later and that the Constantia Valley does not lose this National Heritage building forever.
 Photo courtesy of Ian Junor
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Autumn at the Alphen
I think all who attended the function will agree that the night was a huge success and that the Alphen Hotel Management really pulled out all of the stops to make sure the guests went away with nothing but praise.
The dining room looked superb with the tables set elegantly and inviting. A fantastic three course meal was served by a very efficient staff proving that The Alphen Hotel is definitely a venue one must consider!
The CVA would like to thank our wonderful Constantia wine farms for supplying us with wine of the finest quality, to the Alphen Hotel for hosting the event, to Phil and Christy from Little Works for the beautifully designed table seating plan.
Last but not least the management of the CVA thanks its Members all of whom are committed to providing excellent service, facilities and experiences for all who live in or visit the truly beautiful Constantia Valley. We’d also like to point out that they are pretty good sports when it comes to competing against one another in General Knowledge Quizzes!
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CVA Branded Wine Coolers!

"There's marketing creativity and flair in our verdant valley.
One of our members has come up with a novel, yet simple, idea for taking the grind out of replacing a bottle of wine in a bucket full of ice - keeping it cooler in the process. Called the Polar Sleeve®, it is a very simple device that is inserted into a wine cooler/ice bucket thus allowing the bottle to be fully immersed easily in the cooling combination of ice and water.
A 100% Constantia Valley invention, a world patent is pending for this item and distribution to other markets is imminent.
Included in the range of Polar Sleeve® wine chilling products currently being made in Cape Town is a Constantia Valley branded aluminium wine cooler plus sleeve printed with a map of the Constantia Valley. This unit is for sale to members of the Constantia Valley Association. In fact, the CVA suggests that this product be sold to visitors at close to cost as this concept is a world first and will carry our Constantia Valley brand far and wide.
The wine cooler and sleeve can be purchased for R255.00 inclusive of VAT. Please order from me allowing for a 3 week lead time after a bulk order is placed."
Further to this members were presented with the wine cooler as a gift from the CVA at the Autumn at Alphen function. If you were not present please give me a call and we will make an arrangement to get one to you.
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New Members
Greens Restaurant
Greens Restaurant at High Constantia is a firm favourite with the local population for Breakfast, lunch and dinner!
The menu is substantial offering everything from traditional English breakfasts, to the ever popular Eggs Benedict.
The Pizzas, which are prepared in a wood-fired oven, are popular in the evenings, and the gourmet selection offers some unusual combinations such as smoked chicken, brie and cranberry.
Greens Restaurant is fully licensed and offers a good selection of wines including those from the nearby wine estates.

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Wang Thai
Director of Wang Thai, Chaiphorn Lekcharoensuk says that “Thai food is consumed not only for nourishment or to satisfy one’s hunger, it is a form of art, a topic of conversation, a source of pleasure and a reason to enjoy the company of others”
At Wang Thai the diner is introduced to the traditions and culture of Thailand by experiencing the varied and exciting tastes of Thai cuisine. Not only are the highly trained Master Chefs all from Thailand, most of the ingredients are imported from the best suppliers in Thailand.

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Theo’s
Theo’s Constantia, centrally located within the Constantia Valley, is well known for its award winning steaks and seafoods, whilst offering a comprehensive wine list.
With a pianist playing background music, the friendly service and a large menu, Theo’s Constantia is a must for all diners.

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Jakes
Jakes boasts global cuisine featuring their signature dish - double roasted de-boned Duck and interesting flavours of the 'Beetroot Woolloomooloo’ to traditional favourites such as Lamb Kleftico and Moroccan Chilli Flatbreads.
Their young talented Chefs are always excited about trying new creations and ensuring each meal is meticulously prepared to be enjoyed.
Jakes is geared for friends, families and colleagues, from the traveling business man to the 21st, 30th and 60th birthday parties and anniversaries.
Most of all, Jakes attracts very loyal customers wanting what they consistently offer - a dining experience!

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KiDS Foundation
Now in its 15th year the KiDS Foundation is leading the way in providing scholarships accompanied with excellent mentorship to disadvantaged scholars from High School through to the completion of tertiary education.
The KiDS Foundation has developed a modus operandi that had been adopted by many other education based charities and is committed to its mission of "building our nation through education" one scholar at a time. To date the KiDS Foundation has provided 1221 years of education to the financially disadvantaged youth of South Africa.

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Vanila Exclusive Event Management
With over fifteen years experience in the events industry, Kim and Emma decided to start their own company, Vanila Exclusive Event Management.
Drawing on their past experience, they ensure all their events deliver maximum impact and effectiveness for their clients.
Vanila always strives for perfection. They understand that each of their client’s needs and objectives are different, which is why they make certain each event is unique and fresh.
By using this ‘keep it fresh’ approach, they are constantly delivering new ideas and memorable events.
Vanila approaches work in the same way they approach their lives - ‘with a quest for quality and a zest for success.’

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Leapfrog
Leapfrog is South Africa’s first majority black-owned national residential real estate group. Leapfrog is about forward thinking and embraces integrity, reality and tell-it-like-it-is honesty. With their focus on client service excellence and delivering on their promises, they are ideally placed to assist you to market your property in the Constantia Valley.
This months’ hot property from Leapfrog is an immaculate 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom (2 en-suites) residence in a small up-market and gated complex in Tokai. It has a lovely lounge/dining room with two-sided gas fireplace, French doors to the garden and pool and a modern kitchen. It has a separate laundry/scullery, double auto garage and beautiful travertine flooring with under floor heating. The residence is priced at R3,750,000. Viewing is by appointment only. Contact Al Homan on 082 748 2211

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Elephant's Eye Lodge
Set in the leafy southern suburb of Tokai, Elephants Eye Lodge offers all travelers and businessmen that home away from home feeling. Nestled under the Constantiaberg mountain range and set on a plot of 2700 square meters, Elephants Eye Lodge consists of a beautifully restored Cape Dutch Style Farmhouse with high ceilings, oak floors and a beautifully manicured garden.

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Barbarellas
Scrumptious food served in an elegantly comfortable setting Barbarellas is the perfect place to meet up with friends after a busy time shopping at the Constantia Village!

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Money Matters
The 2008 Tax Season is upon us and with the new improved system the South African Revenue Services (SARS) have implemented the Tax Payers need to understand their responsibilities.
SARS have since 2003, to today increase the Tax payer base from 4.8 million to almost 7 million. SARS last year transferred the Income Tax process from a paper-based process to an electronic one.
The Personal Income Tax system comprises three elements:
- The PAYE process in which Income Tax is deducted from employees and paid over to SARS
- The Provisional Tax process where Tax on income outside the PAYE system is paid over to SARS 3 times a year
- The completion of the annual Tax return
Important dates to remember:
29 August 2008 - Deadline for PAYE reconciliations
21 November 2008 - Deadline for Manual submissions of Income Tax returns
23 January 2009 - Deadline for Electronic submissions of Income Tax returns (e-Filing)
Companies and Close Corporations have 12 months after their year end to submit their Tax Return.
Kindly remember that Individuals, Companies and Close Corporations (with February Year ends) must pay their “Top up” Provisional Tax by 30th September to avoid interest being levied on their account.
Kobus Nell – Tax Partner Alliott Andersen and Nell
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Jooles and the CVA Team
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